Sunshine and Daydreams is a local, private horseback riding stable created by Sonja Trefethen in 1990 as an alternative to traditional rent strings. Our barn is located in Norco, Horsetown USA at the edge of the Hidden Valley Wildlife preserve. Sunshine and Daydreams is renowned for it’s specialization in safety and instruction. The majority of Sunshine and Daydreams’ customers are beginners, many of whom have never ridden a horse before, although many advanced riders enjoy learning faster-paced transitions with instruction from the staff. Every rider is individually coached based on their knowledge and practice of correct horseback riding with the purpose of beginning or improving their horsemanship skills.

Safe and independent riding is at the core of Sunshine and Daydreams’ goal. We offer the truest trail-riding experience possible. While many other stables are nose-to-tail rides which ride in a line with no instruction, every Sunshine and Daydreams ride is guided by at least one of our experienced trail guides, and riders are instructed on how to ride side-by-side while being completely in control of the direction and speed of their horse. Experience is always taken into consideration. All riders are asked to respect the skills of their fellow group-members, and ride at the pace of the weakest rider in the group. All rides are private or semi-private so you can receive individual attention and can spend time with your friends and family.

Our Horses

Arabians, American Quarter horses, thoroughbreds, Morgan horses, Andalusians, and Missouri Fox Trotters are some of the horses you will find when you visit Sunshine and Daydreams. Every horse has a different history from dressage to Western Pleasure. Although all the horses are used on the trails, they come from different backgrounds. We gather many horses on consignment, however most of the horses are donated in need of love and attention, or purchased from local auctions. Every horse received by Sunshine and Daydreams is given specific care by the staff to ensure that the horse improves in health and in training.

All of our horses used on the trails by riders are expected to be safe, sound, beginner quality trail horses. Each horse must meet strict criteria to be considered for use, and those that do not meet the criteria are ridden by our experienced instructors to ensure that they are trained correctly until they do meet criteria. This includes spook-resistance, obedience, gentleness, responsiveness, and soundness. With this training, it is our every intention that our horses move on to private sale and find their forever homes.